HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
The components that make up an HVAC system are generally the same:
The furnace. The furnace moves air from the heat exchanger into the air ducts.
The heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is not part of the furnace. It’s located inside the furnace, but operates independently by adding heat to the incoming air from the combustion chamber.
The evaporator coil is also in the furnace, but has a different job to do. When air runs through the evaporator coil, the coil absorbs heat and adds refrigerant. The now-cold air blows through the air ducts throughout your home.
The condensing unit. The condensing unit is like the evaporator coil but for an outdoor HVAC unit. Unlike the evaporator coil, the condensing unit gives off heat.
The refrigerant tubes. These metal tubes connect the evaporator coil with the condensing coil. This means the refrigerant tubes connect the indoor and outdoor HVAC units. The tubes contain cooling refrigerant under a wide range of temperatures.
The thermostat. This is the part of the HVAC system that you control to adjust the air conditioning or heating system or turn the system on or off. This small appliance is typically on a wall of the main level of your home. A programmable or “smart” thermostat can fine-tune your home’s temperature even if you’re not there, and be accessible through an online app on a computer or mobile device .
The ductwork.The air ducts move air throughout your home. Air comes into the HVAC system through certain sections and is distributed to rooms through other sections.
The vents. As the air travels through the ductwork, it enters the room through vents. Rectangular covers on the floor or ceiling direct and take in air.
The heat pump. During warmer months, the heat pump takes heat from the inside to the outside. During the colder months, it does the opposite.